Researchers at the University of Colorado have designed stable, concentrated, freeze-dried glucagon formulations that can be injected with minimal pain. These formulations are prepared by drying glucagon with a carbohydrate and buffer and can be reconstituted as a solution, suspension, or paste. These compositions have increased chemical and physical stability at ambient or elevated temperatures. They can be delivered to patients in a concentrated form, allowing for minimally painful administration using low-volume, shallow injection through a fine needle. Whereas stable glucagon formulations are being developed by other companies, they must be administered using large volumes, meaning they will still require painful injections.